Help for a newbie

[steve853]

Hi all
I’m looking for a lbp in 22rf, hopefully something resembling a 1911. Does anyone have any advice or “avoid this” warnings?

I tried one at the range a while ago with a horrible trigger, and was thinking of a GSG 1911…

Tia

[Blackstuff]

If you're wanting a '1911' there are 3 options i'm aware of;

GSG - The most common, cheapest and most compatible with 'real' 1911 parts. They are however made of aluminium and heavy use can result in significant wear. Lot of aftermarket and replacement parts and a gunsmith virtually dedicated to them right here in the UK (M9 Engineering - sadly only available on Facebook). Seem to perfom as a mixed bag from the ones i've seen and my own. Usually magazine issues but as per there's the "Thats a pot metal toy gun" gang that like to find any fault they can with them (while offering no alternative usually because its not a 3lb steel revolver )

Low-mill Ranges - No longer in production AFAIK, widely regarded as being 'better' than the GSG but i've personally never seen one run well in a comp. Also compatible with most real upgrade parts.

Walther Gold Cup - Similar build quality to the GSG but not as compatible with some 1911 parts and disassembles differently to the real thing/the other LBPs.

I mainly seen LBPs in an IPSC /practical shooting capacity and most people go for Grand Power K22's, with people less serious about competing or unable/not willing to spend that kind of money getting GSG's or Walther PPQ's, which they usually end up spending on it anyway for accessories/upgrades etc The latest and greatest is the Shield KMR S-01 which is a CZ Shadow .22 LBP and the only one i've held that feels like a 'proper' handgun. They even have the "back in my day" gang taking notice, but they are £1800 starting price...

[bradaz11]

only one more, theres the TSC 1911 which was the forerunner to the GSG version. Basically The Tunnel saw an oportunity and bought all the parts, assembled and sold them, did very well, went to order more and found GSG stiffed them and made them direct.

[steve853]

Thanks guys, I was thinking about the GSG as they seem pretty popular, and then some upgrades via M9 on Facebook, I just need to find an RFD in my area with some different ones to try for size. I’m thinking 1911 basically because of all the Airsoft pistols I have used the 1911 feels the most comfortable.
I’m also looking for a 44 cap and ball revolver, should be an interesting days shopping

[bradaz11]

give a and a gunsmiths a visit, they're in skegness, but call in advance to make sure he'll be in. lots of different front stuffers to try, including nitro conversions. Last I saw he had some ppqs, which I was thoroughly impressed with in the hand. but I'm sure he can get gsg1911s in. as he kept asking me about upgrades or real steel parts i had on mine.

tbh if it wasn't for needing a 1911 for wildbunch comps, I would have swapped my 1911 for the ppq

[38Super]

Very happy with my Walther Gold Cup. Hasn't missed a beat over the last couple of comps I've been to.
Runs perfectly with the 18 round converted mags. I haven't used the new 20 round conversion kit enough yet. I think I have to be really careful how I load it as sometimes it works fine, sometimes not.
I've added a frame mounted red dot, ambi safety, magwell and slide racker. It could definitely benefit from a good trigger job by somebody competent (when I get round to it).
Most of the lower half is standard 1911, the upper half is completely different. Much lighter than my GSG and much more reliable.

[steve853]

Very happy with my Walther Gold Cup. Hasn't missed a beat over the last couple of comps I've been to.
Runs perfectly with the 18 round converted mags.

Hopefully going to look at a Walther next week, I’ll have to look into the larger magazines, where do you get them from?!

[shotgun sam]

I have a gsg firefly and so far has worked perfectly with zero stoppages, not into competitions as predominantly a hunter so the lbp was just for having fun on the range plinking away

[Dellboy]

Thanks guys, I was thinking about the GSG as they seem pretty popular, and then some upgrades via M9 on Facebook, I just need to find an RFD in my area with some different ones to try for size. I’m thinking 1911 basically because of all the Airsoft pistols I have used the 1911 feels the most comfortable.
I’m also looking for a 44 cap and ball revolver, should be an interesting days shopping

M9 upgrades are worth looking at Nicks a nice bloke (he is at the target shooting show in November ) i prefer the Browning Buckmark as they seem to work well out of the box and ive sold a few with no issues
As for revolvers the best must surely be a Ruger Old Army good solid piece.

[38Super]

Hopefully going to look at a Walther next week, I’ll have to look into the larger magazines, where do you get them from?!

Oceania Defence are the distributor and have all the extras. Look on their website under accessories.